Zoospore chemotaxis of closely related legume‐root infecting Phytophthora species towards host isoflavones

Phytophthora niederhauserii, P. pisi, P. sojae and P. vignae are closely related species that are pathogenic to various legume plants. While P. sojae and P. vignae are reported to specifically infect soybean and cowpea, respectively, P. pisi is reported to attack pea and faba bean. Phytophthora niederhauserii is considered to have a broad host range. Zoospores of some Phytophthora species are chemotactically attracted to the isoflavones that are secreted by their host plants. The focus of the current study was to determine the chemotaxic behaviour of zoospores from closely related legume‐root infecting Phytophthora species and to investigate the correlation, if any, to host preference as determined by greenhouse pathogenicity tests. The results showed that P. sojae and P. vignae were attracted to the non‐soybean isoflavone prunetin as well as to the soybean isoflavones genistein and daidzein, which is in contrast with their host specificity on soybean and cowpea, respectively. On the other hand, P. pisi and P. niederhauserii were only attracted to prunetin, previously reported to be produced by pea, but not to the isoflavones associated with the non‐host soybean. The lack of responsiveness to genistein and daidzein in P. pisi may represent a recent adaptation to the host specialization towards pea. However, the affinity of P. niederhauserii to prunetin shows that this trait can also be present in taxa not specifically associated with legume hosts.     

Rapid Screening of Cacao Genotypes for Field Resistance to Phytophthora palmivora Using Leaves, Twigs and Roots

Black pod, caused by Phytophthora spp. is one of the most important diseases of cacao occurring worldwide. Losses due to black pod caused by P. palmivora are still moderate in Côte d'Ivoire but P. megakarya causes high losses in Ghana and other Central African countries. Variation in field attack has been observed between cacao genotypes, but evaluation of pod losses is unsuitable for obtaining rapid progress in breeding. Results of inoculation tests using young detached leaves, twigs and roots, obtained from field and nursery plants, are presented here and compared to field resistance of similar genotypes observed over a 10-year period. Nine different Upper Amazon Forastero genotypes were tested together with progenies obtained by crossing these with the susceptible check IFC5 (Amelonado genotype). Rank correlations between the early screening tests and the level of field attack were positive and mostly significant (r=0.58–0.95). The coefficient of correlation was slightly higher for leaves (r=0.88) and roots (r=0.89) than for twigs (r=0.76). Also, resistance of the different plant organs was correlated (r=0.6–0.9). Resistance of the Upper Amazon parents was well correlated with the resistance of their cross progenies (r=0.7–0.9), suggesting that resistance is highly heritable. Resistance of leaves and twigs from the nursery was better correlated with field resistance than resistance of leaves and twigs from the field, which might result from more uniform growing conditions in the nursery. Inoculation of leaves appears the most suitable early screening method for black pod resistance. Application of this test in breeding more resistant cacao cultivars is discussed.     

Potential susceptibility of Australian native plant species to branch dieback and bole canker diseases caused by Phytophthora ramorum

Susceptibility to branch dieback caused by Phytophthora ramorum was tested using a detached branch assay for 66 Australian native plant species sourced from established gardens and arboreta in California. Six of these species were further tested for their susceptibility to bole cankers caused by P. ramorum using a sealed log assay. Isopogon formosus and Eucalyptus denticulata were identified as potentially highly susceptible Australian branch dieback hosts. Thirteen potentially tolerant Australian host species included Banksia attenuata, B. marginata, E. haemastoma, E. regnans, Pittosporum undulatum and Billardiera heterophylla. Eucalyptus regnans was identified as a potentially highly susceptible bole canker host, while E. diversicolor and E. viminalis were considered potentially tolerant species to bole cankers caused by P. ramorum. Phytophthora ramorum was able to infect all 66 species, as confirmed by reisolation. These results extend the known potential host range for P. ramorum, confirm it as a possible threat to Australian plant industries and ecosystems and highlight additional associated hosts that are important in the global horticultural trade, native forests and plantation forestry.     

Diversity and detections of Phytophthora species from trade and non‐trade environments in Ireland

The genus Phytophthora is one of the genera of organisms that poses the most threat to plant health worldwide. Statutory monitoring for Phytophthora species focuses on the species regulated in the European Union and recommended for regulation by EPPO (Plant Health Directive 2000/29 EC and the EPPO A2 List). This research provides details of the Phytophthora species detected from trade and non‐trade environments in Ireland between 2013 and 2015. The results of statutory surveys for the regulated species Phytophthora ramorum, Phytophthora kernoviae and Phytophthora lateralis from 2003 to 2015 are also presented. Testing of more than 11 000 samples was carried out using morphological and/or DNA identification with specifically designed Phytophthora conserved primers. This led to the detection of 19 species and 3 informally designated taxa of Phytophthora, including 8 new records for Ireland. Eight species were found in both trade and non‐trade locations, and three informally designated taxa were also detected. Phytophthora ramorum was found on the most hosts (30 hosts), followed by Phytophthora syringae (6 hosts) and Phytophthora kernoviae (3 hosts). Rhododendron was the host on which Phytophthora species were most frequently detected (12 Phytophthora species). The role of the plant trade in spreading invasive Phytophthora species is discussed.     

Differentiation of three whitefly-transmitted geminiviruses from the Republic of Yemen

Three viruses collected in southern Yemen in 1990, infecting watermelon, tobacco and tomato were shown to be transmitted by the whiteflyBemisia tabaci and to have particle morphologies typical of geminiviruses. Colonies ofB. tabaci collected from different locations and from different hosts were used in virus transmission tests with the same host range of plants. Colonies established from both watermelon and cotton in the Yemen were identified as the squash silverleaf-inducing B biotype. The culture host of the colony did not influence virus acquisition and transmission efficiencies to and from other hosts. The tobacco and tomato geminiviruses had a similar host range, but differed in their severity in some hosts. Both these viruses differed from the watermelon geminivirus in host range and symptoms.Datura stramonium, an alternative host for all three viruses, could be co-infected by the watermelon and tobacco viruses.B. tabaci was able to acquire both viruses from the co-infectedD. stramonium and infect seedlings of either original host plant species with their respective viruses orD. stramonium with both. The viruses were identified as watermelon chlorotic stunt virus, tobacco leaf curl virus and tomato yellow leaf curl virus and were distinguished by cross hybridisation.     

The host range of Polymyxa betae in Britain

The host range of Polymyxa betae on common arable weed species in Britain was determined by growing plants in naturally infested soil and examining their root systems for the presence of resting spores (cystosori). Of the 24 species tested, only Atriplex patula and Chenopodium album of the Chenopodiaceae, and Silene alba of the Caryophyllaceae, were found to be heavily infected. S. alba is a newly recorded host species for Polymyxa. The host specificity of isolates of P. betae from Beta vulgaris, C. album and A. patula was investigated by observing which of 11 test plants could be infected by the isolates obtained from this soil. Three main biotypes of P. betae appeared to be distinguishable: one which was able to infect all chenopodiaceous species; one which had a narrower host range; and one which was able to infect S. alba. The role of weed species in the epidemiology of rhizomania is discussed.     

Phytophthora kernoviae and P. ramorum: host susceptibility and sporulation potential on foliage of susceptible trees1

Phytophthora kernoviae and P. ramorum are introduced, invasive pathogens in the UK. Both species are adapted for aerial dispersion and have a wide host range, many of which are common to both pathogens. The diseases they cause are foliar necrosis and shoot tip dieback on both tree and ornamental hosts, and bleeding cankers on tree hosts. Inoculum is produced on infected foliage but not on bleeding cankers in both cases. Proactive measures to prevent disease spread and to evaluate the risks posed by these pathogens are being undertaken. Amongst others, these include using the detached leaf assay to get an indication of tree foliage susceptibility, and inoculating wounded stems of saplings to get an idea of under‐canopy sapling and nursery tree susceptibility. The sporulation potential on selected susceptible hosts was assessed, and finally, surveys which are still ongoing were carried out in south‐west England. Results of this work are presented and discussed.     

稻区杂草上的梨孢菌与稻瘟病发生的关系

 新发现的稻曲病菌白化菌株其分生孢子座白色,厚垣孢子表面光滑,大小为3.5-6.0×3.5-6.8μm。在麦芽糖-稻芽浸渍液中可产生较多的分生孢子。pH值为6时生长最好。普通培养基中加入几种供试碳源和氮源均有利于菌落生长,以蔗糖为碳源,浓度为2%或以L-天门冬酰胺为氮源浓度为0.2%~0.3%时时其菌落生长有促进作用。培养过程中可产生对稻种萌发有抑制作用的毒素,而固体培养时产毒能力高于液体培养。白化菌株回接到水稻上可重新产生白色稻曲球。该菌和稻曲病菌的酯酶同功酶和RAPD扩增谱带明显不同。可见白化菌株具有独立于稻曲病菌的新的分类地位。     

Direct infection of potato tubers by the root parasite Orobanche aegyptiaca

Parasitic plants of the Orobanchaceae are known as obligate root parasites that develop haustoria that connect to roots of various host plants. This article describes, for the first time, a case where the root parasite successfully connected to potato tubers, i.e. to the swollen portion of an underground stem rather than to a root. The rhizosphere of Orobanche aegyptiaca and of its host Solanum tuberosum (potato) was carefully examined. In anatomical studies, the adventitious roots were directly connected to potato tubers. Numerous secondary haustoria, which developed along the adventitious roots in close vicinity to the potato tuber, penetrated the tuber epidermis and the perimedullary tuber parenchyma and developed xylem strands that are presumably connected to the minor xylem strands within the tuber cortex. These findings indicate that parasites of the Orobanchaceae that normally attack host roots may also parasitise underground stem tubers.     

Genetic Structure of the Population of Phytophthora infestans Attacking Solanum ochranthum in the Highlands of Ecuador

Thirty-nine isolates of Phytophthora infestans were collected from the wild host Solanum ochranthum in the highland tropics of Ecuador and characterized with a set of phenotypic and molecular markers (mating type, metalaxyl sensitivity, the allozyme loci Gpi, and Pep, mitochondrial DNA haplotype, RFLP, and SSR), as well as for pathogenicity on various hosts. Three groups of isolates (A, B, and C) were identified based on their multilocus genotypes and variable abilities to cause disease on different hosts. Group A had a combination of alleles for the Gpi (86/100), Pep (96/100) and mtDNA (Ia) loci, as well as an RFLP fingerprint, that have not been reported for P. infestans in Ecuador, or elsewhere. Group B shares many marker characteristics with the US-1 lineage described in Ecuador on tomato, pear melon (S. muricatum), and S. caripense, but has SSR alleles not present in typical US-1 isolates. Group C for all markers tested is identical to the EC-1 lineage described on cultivated and wild potatoes in Ecuador. All isolates from S. ochranthum were able to re-infect their host of origin in the detached leaf assay; however, we did not draw clear conclusions as to the relative aggressiveness of the three groups on this host. Isolates of group A were the most specialized and were generally non-pathogenic or weakly pathogenic on all hosts other than S. ochranthum. Groups B and C infected tuber-bearing hosts, including the cultivated potato but were generally non-pathogenic on other non-tuber bearing hosts. Solanum ochranthum was infected by isolates coming from tuber-bearing Solanum hosts (i.e., the EC-1 lineage of P. infestans) and some US-1 isolates from non-tuber bearing hosts. Thus, in nature this species might be a potential reservoir of inoculum of different pathogen populations able to infect the cultivated hosts potato, tomato and pear melon (S.␣muricatum). Unlike potato and tomato in Ecuador, each of which is primarily attacked by a highly specialized pathogen population, S. ochranthum appears to harbour at least three pathogen groups of␣different genetic make-up. The unresolved issue of potential host specificity in isolates found on S.␣ochranthum could complicate efforts to use this species in tomato improvement.     

Epitrix similaris and Epitrix cucumeris in Portugal: damage patterns in potato and suitability of potential host plants for reproduction

The potato flea beetle species Epitrix similaris and Epitrix cucumeris were identified in mainland Portugal in 2009. This was the first finding of the species E. similaris in the EPPO region, and the first report of the species E. cucumeris, established in the Atlantic Islands of Azores (Portugal) for three decades, in the mainland EPPO zone. Preliminary information on the damage patterns caused by E. similaris and E. cucumeris on potato and their host plant preferences is provided. Leaf feeding by the adults causes the characteristic shot‐hole pattern common to flea beetles. The larvae of both species develop on the root system and cause damage to the tubers. In field experiments, tuber damage by E. similaris presented three patterns: superficial tracks (serpentines), black splinters, and shallow holes. In the laboratory E. cucumeris was observed to be able to feed on very small immature tubers, causing serpentines and holes as well. However, in some cases it developed exclusively on roots. The adults of both Epitrix species hardly fed and reproduced on sweet pepper plants but fed and reproduced on the remaining five solanaceous plants tested (aubergine, Datura stramonium, tomato, potato and Solanum nigrum). E. similaris produced a much higher number of progeny on potato and on S. nigrum than on the other host plants. E. cucumeris produced more offspring on S. nigrum than on the other host‐plants.     

Fungicide resistance in soil-borne Phytophthora species1

Systemic fungicides such as the phenylamides and phosphonates have provided new opportunities for chemical control of soil-borne Phytophthora species. Potential problems in their use include biodegradation in soils, and the emergence of pathogen isolates resistant to these compounds. Resistance to phenylamides is well known in leaf-infecting Oomycetes, but less is known about the development and relative fitness of resistant isolates among populations of soil-borne Phytophthora species. Experiments with P. capsici and P. palmivora have shown that stable resistant and virulent isolates can be selected under laboratory conditions. Some mutants resistant to both metalaxyl and fosetyl-A1 have been recovered, with growth rates and sporulation equivalent to parental wild types. Selected mutants proved able to compete in vivo with fungicide-sensitive wild types in the absence of the compounds. More information is required to fully evaluate the implications of these results for chemical control of soil-borne Phytophthora species in the field. Résistance des Phytophthora du sol aux fongicides     

Capsicum Species: Symptomless Hosts and Reservoirs of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus

ABSTRACT Five Capsicum species were tested for susceptibility to Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) and the mild strain of TYLCV (TYLCV-Mld). TYLCV was able to infect 30 of 55 genotypes of C. annuum, one of six genotypes of C. chinense, one of two genotypes of C. baccatum, and the only genotype of C. frutescens tested but was unable to infect the one genotype of C. pubescens tested. This is the first evidence for the susceptibility of C. baccatum, C. chinense, and C. frutescens to TYLCV. Unlike TYLCV isolates, TYLCV-Mld was unable to infect C. chinense. No host differences were observed between the Israeli and Florida isolates of TYLCV. None of the Capsicum species showed symptoms after infection with TYLCV or TYLCV-Mld. TYLCV was detected in fruits of C. annuum, but whiteflies were unable to transmit virus from fruits to plants. White-flies were able to transmit both TYLCV and TYLCV-Mld from infected pepper plants to tomato plants. Pepper plants in research plots were found infected with TYLCV at rates as much as 100%. These data demonstrate the ability of some genotypes of pepper to serve as reservoirs for the acquisition and transmission of TYLCV and TYLCV-Mld.     

Infection of canola by secondary zoospores of Plasmodiophora brassicae produced on a nonhost

Clubroot, caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae, has two infection stages (primary and secondary). Although primary infection occurs in many plant species, secondary infection only continues to completion in susceptible hosts. As part of a larger study of clubroot pathogenesis, secondary zoospores collected from infected root hairs of canola and ryegrass were inoculated onto healthy roots of both plant species. The treatments consisted of all possible combinations of the two plant species and the two sources of inoculum. At 5 days after inoculation, levels of root hair infection were similar and in a range of 50–68% on roots in all of the treatments. Secondary infection was also observed from all of the treatments, with approximately 50% on canola and 40% on ryegrass. The proportion of secondary infection and the number of secondary plasmodia were higher in canola inoculated with zoospores from canola than in ryegrass inoculated with zoospores from ryegrass, with the other combinations intermediate. At 35 days after inoculation, typical clubs developed on 14% of the canola plants inoculated with secondary zoospores from canola, and tiny clubs developed on 16% of the canola plants inoculated with zoospores from ryegrass. Secondary infection occurred in about one-third of ryegrass plants but no clubs developed, regardless of inoculum source. These results indicate that resistance to secondary infection in ryegrass is induced during primary infection. This is the first report that secondary zoospores produced on a nonhost can infect a host and reconfirms that secondary infection can occur in a nonhost.     

Evaluation of variability in Striga aspera, Striga hermonthica and their hybrids using morphological characters and random amplified polymorphic DNA markers

Striga aspera and Striga hermonthica are recognized as separate species, but their close morphological similarity causes difficulty in distinguishing between them in areas where they coexist in Africa. In this study, crosses between the species were made using randomly selected morphologically typical parental plants collected from different locations in Nigeria. Genetic analysis of both species and their reciprocal F₁ hybrids were determined using cluster analysis of DNA profiles derived from genetic polymorphism (RAPD)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) markers. Principal component and hierarchical cluster analyses were used to separate parental and hybrid populations based on 13 morphological characteristics. Morphological data from wild samples of both species were compared with the hand-pollinated parental, F₁ and F₂ hybrids, and back-crosses. Results showed that S. aspera and S. hermonthica were genetically and morphologically distinct. Morphological and genetic analyses revealed two major clusters: a S. aspera cluster and a S. hermonthica cluster. Genetically, the F₁ hybrids showed closer affinity to their maternal parents, while morphologically, the F₁ hybrids formed distinct clusters intermediate to the parents. Most F₂ plants and back-crosses were morphologically similar to S. hermonthica . Comparative morphological analysis of wild and hand-pollinated populations showed some samples from the wild clustered with the hybrids, suggesting that hybrids may exist in nature.     

Biofilm formation and motility of Xanthomonas strains with different citrus host range

Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc) strain A is the causal agent of citrus bacterial canker (CBC) on most Citrus spp. and close relatives. Two restricted host range strains of CBC, A^w and A*, from Florida and southwest Asia, respectively, infect Mexican lime. Several studies have linked biofilm formation by Xcc to bacterial colonization prior to and after plant ingress, but none have evaluated connections between biofilm formation and the behaviour of different strains of Xcc on citrus hosts and non‐hosts. In this study biofilm formation and swimming motility were evaluated for citrus pathogenic xanthomonads including wide and restricted host range strains of Xcc, X. alfalfae subsp. citrumelonis (Xac) (the causal agent of citrus bacterial spot) and X. campestris pv. campestris (Xc). Differential biofilm formation was observed in vitro and in planta among the Xanthomonas strains assayed. Minimal medium XVM2 increased biofilm formation, especially for those strains with a host range restricted to Mexican lime. In planta, strains produced more biofilm on leaves or fruits of their host than on non‐hosts. Scanning electron microscopy of biofilms on leaf and fruit surfaces revealed differences in structure of bacterial aggregates with respect to the strain's host range. In addition, swimming motility varied widely depending on the host range of the strain. It was concluded that biofilm formation in vitro and in planta for strains of Xcc and Xac was related to their host range, as these processes affect colonization at the early stages of the infection process.     

Pathogenicity of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides to carrot

Abstract

Colletotrichum gloeosporioides was identified as the causal agent of carrot umbel blight in Brazil. Pathogenicity was evaluated on carrot and other host plants, as well as compared with the pathogenicity of other C. gloeosporioides isolates on carrot. C. gloeosporioides isolated from carrot umbel was able to infect tomato plants and ripe fruits of tomato and sweet pepper, in addition to carrot umbels and seedlings. This appears to be the first report of C. gloeosporioides attacking carrots.     

Phytophthora rot of alpine delphinium caused by Phytophthora sp. kelmania

Severe stunting and root rot were observed on alpine delphinium plants (Delphinium elatum) from Aomori Prefecture, Japan, in 2010 and 2011. A Phytophthora isolate from the diseased crown was identified as Phytophthora sp. kelmania based on morphological characteristics and DNA sequence data. Inoculation of alpine delphinium plants with the isolate produced a similar root rot. Pathogenicity of the isolate on four species of plants that are known hosts for P. sp. kelmania was confirmed. We propose the name “Phytophthora rot” (eki-byo in Japanese) for the present new disease on alpine delphinium.

     

Pathogenicity of 21 newly described Phytophthora species against seven Western Australian native plant species

The pathogenicity of some Phytophthora species recently described from Western Australia, together with P. cinnamomi as a control, was tested against seven Western Australian native plant species in the glasshouse. Host species were Banksia grandis, B. littoralis, B. occidentalis, Casuarina obesa, Corymbia calophylla, Eucalyptus marginata and Lambertia inermis. Twenty‐two Phytophthora species were grown on a vermiculite, millet seed and V8 substrate and used as soil inoculum when the plant hosts were approximately 3 months old. Pathogenicity was assessed after 6 weeks and plants were scored for death, root damage, and percentage reduction of shoot growth compared with control plants. The pathogenicity of P. cinnamomi was confirmed. Phytophthora niederhauserii was shown to be similar to P. cinnamomi in pathogenicity and of concern ecologically. Other species that killed one or more hosts were P. boodjera, P. constricta, P. elongata, P. moyootj and P. rosacearum, while P. condilina, P. gibbosa, P. gregata, P. litoralis and P. ‘personii’ caused significant reduction to shoot and/or root growth, but did not kill plants. Host species susceptible to the highest number of Phytophthora species were B. grandis, B. littoralis, B. occidentalis and E. marginata. No Phytophthora species tested killed C. calophylla.